When to Consider Replacing Your Main Water Line
Your main water line is made from durable pipe materials and can last for decades. However, it will eventually need to be replaced, no matter what it’s made of. In this article, Sunshine Plumbers share the top three signs you need to replace your main water line.
You should consider replacing your main water line if it’s nearing the end of its lifespan. Different pipe materials have varying lifespans. Copper and PEX can last up to 50 years depending on water quality and installation techniques, while cast iron and PVC can last significantly longer. Galvanized steel has a shorter lifespan because it’s susceptible to corrosion.
If your home is older, especially if it was built before the mid-20th century, the pipes may be nearing the end of their lifespan. Some of the signs you may notice when your main water line is aging include frequent leaks, visible corrosion, discolored water, and low water pressure. An aging main water line can be a huge pain in the neck. You’ll never know when it will fail completely, leaving you without water. Get in touch with Sunshine Plumbers for a main water line replacement today and avoid costly repairs and disruptions to your daily life.
- Discolored or Rusty Water
This is a warning sign that your main water line is severely corroded, and quick action is needed to preserve the quality of your water. Over time, rust can form inside the main water line and discolor the water flowing through the pipe. While hydro jetting can get rid of rust in water pipes, severely corroded pipes will cause you more problems down the road. The best course of action is to call a local plumbing service to install a new main water line.
There are outdated pipe materials you don’t want in your home. These include galvanized steel, lead, and polybutylene pipes. Each one of these materials poses unique risks and can lead to significant plumbing issues. Galvanized steel pipes are more susceptible to rusting once the zinc coating wears off. If your home was built between the early 1920s and the 1960s, it’s likely that you have galvanized steel pipes. Call a professional plumbing repair service to inspect your pipes and determine if they need to be replaced.
Lead is a toxic metal that can leach into drinking water. This is why lead pipes were banned in the 1986 Safe Drinking Water Act. However, lead pipes are still found in many older homes and buildings. If your home was built before 1986, it’s a good idea to schedule an inspection to determine if you have lead pipes. The team at Sunshine Plumbers can perform a comprehensive inspection of your plumbing and recommend solutions to ensure the safety of your drinking water.
Polybutylene pipes are problematic because they are brittle and fragile; hence, they are prone to cracking and leaking over time. These pipes are commonly found in homes built between 1975 and 1996. If you have any of these pipe materials, reach out to a plumbing service specializing in pipe replacement for an inspection.
Contact Sunshine Plumbers today for water line repair and replacement. Our team will do an outstanding job and restore your plumbing to good working condition.
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